When assessing a client with a serum potassium level of 7.5 mEq/L (7.5 mmol/L), which intervention is most important for the nurse to implement?

Determine apical pulse rate and rhythm.

Observe color and amount of urine.

Compare muscle strength bilaterally.

Assess strength of deep tendon reflexes.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A reason: This is the most important intervention because a high serum potassium level can cause cardiac dysrhythmias, which can be life-threatening. The nurse should monitor the client's heart rate and rhythm closely and report any changes or abnormalities to the healthcare provider.

Choice B reason: This is not the most important intervention because the color and amount of urine are not directly related to the serum potassium level. The nurse should assess the client's renal function and fluid balance, but these are not the priority assessments.

Choice C reason: This is also not the most important intervention because the muscle strength is not the most sensitive indicator of the serum potassium level. The nurse should evaluate the client's neuromuscular status and watch for signs of weakness or paralysis, but these are not the priority assessments.

Choice D reason: This is another incorrect intervention because the deep tendon reflexes are not the most reliable indicator of the serum potassium level. The nurse should check the client's reflexes and note any hyperreflexia or hyporeflexia, but these are not the priority assessments.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason: This is an incorrect statement as it implies that breaking eye contact is beneficial for the client. In fact, breaking eye contact may reduce the client's trust and rapport with the nurse. The nurse should maintain eye contact as much as possible and use verbal and nonverbal cues to show active listening.

Choice B reason: This is an incorrect statement as it implies that electronic documentation is mandatory for all interviews. In fact, electronic documentation is not a legal obligation, but a preferred method of recording the assessment data. The nurse should follow the facility's policy and procedure for electronic documentation and ensure the accuracy, completeness, and confidentiality of the record.

Choice C reason: This is the correct statement as it acknowledges the challenge of electronic documentation during an interview. The nurse may miss some important nonverbal cues from the client, such as facial expressions, gestures, or posture, while typing on the computer. The nurse should balance the time spent on the computer and the time spent on the client and use open-ended questions and reflective statements to elicit more information.

Choice D reason: This is an incorrect statement as it implies that electronic documentation is beneficial for the interview process. In fact, electronic documentation may interfere with the flow and quality of the interview. The client may feel rushed or ignored by the nurse's attention to the computer. The nurse should pace the interview according to the client's needs and preferences and use electronic documentation as a tool, not a barrier.

A. Obtain the specimen from the client's current bowel movement. B. Contact the healthcare provider before obtaining the specimen. C. Withhold specimen collection until tarry black stool is observed. D. Wait to obtain the specimen until observable blood is present.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason: This is the correct action because the nurse should obtain the specimen as soon as possible to avoid delays in diagnosis and treatment. The color and consistency of the stool do not affect the test for occult blood.

Choice B reason: This is not necessary because the nurse does not need to obtain a prescription or approval from the healthcare provider to collect a stool specimen for occult blood. The nurse should follow the standard protocol for specimen collection and labeling.

Choice C reason: This is incorrect because withholding specimen collection until tarry black stool is observed would delay the detection of occult blood. Tarry black stool indicates a bleeding source in the upper gastrointestinal tract, while occult blood can be present in any part of the gastrointestinal tract.

Choice D reason: This is also incorrect because waiting to obtain the specimen until observable blood is present would also delay the detection of occult blood. Observable blood indicates a bleeding source in the lower gastrointestinal tract, while occult blood can be present in any part of the gastrointestinal tract.

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When assessing a client with a serum potassium level of 7.5 mEq/L (7.5 mmol/L), which intervention is most important for the nurse to implement?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

While interviewing a client, the nurse records the assessment in the electronic health record. Which statement is most accurate regarding electronic documentation during an interview?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

While preparing to obtain a stool specimen for occult blood, the nurse observes that the client's feces is soft, solid, and light brown. Which action should the nurse implement?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

When assessing a client with a serum potassium level of 7.5 mEq/L (7.5 mmol/L), which intervention is most important for the nurse to implement?

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